Beach shoes have evolved significantly over the last few years. Gone are the days when flip-flops and Birkenstock’s (remember that not all Birkenstock’s are waterproof so choose the ones you’ll wear to the beach wisely) were your only option. Though who can really live without a nice comfy pair of Birkenstock’s or 12? Today there are all kinds of shoes made specifically to wear to the beach.

From netted athletic shoes made for running and walking just along the edge of the water to jelly shoes, flip-flops, and dozens of varieties in between it is now more than ever possible to not only have shoes that are practical to wear to the beach, but fashionable in this endeavor as well.

Shoes say a lot about the wearer, there is really no exception for beach shoes. Any old flip-flops say the wearer isn’t very concerned about their foot fashion. Of course there are flip-flops with embellishments that make them a little more fashionable than the dollar store variety. A nice pair of Birkenstock’s says the wearer is wisely more concerned with quality and comfort than following trends. Impractical beach shoes or those that are likely to need repairs after coming into contract with water and/or sand say the owner has more money than sense. And shoes that are funky and fashionable and made for the beach say the wearer is fashionably chic.

When choosing the right beach shoes for you it is important that you consider what your beachside activities are going to be. If you want to run along the shoreline, you might want to purchase a pair of the beach friendly athletic shoes that are relatively new. If you want to be fashionable go for some of the trendy beach shoes, if you want the ultimate in comfort go for a nice pair of Birkenstock’s, and flip-flops are always an old fall back that have been the shoe of choice of beach goers for ages.

By: John Gibb

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It’s spring/summer jewelry fashion trend time. When the snow starts to melt, green grass and spring flowers are popping up and eventually fresh spring temperatures turn into hot summer nights. We eagerly anticipate spring and summer bring out the flip flops and the bright seasonal colors after a long winter.

While it’s fun to watch and be aware of the trends, it’s also recommended to pick and choose which trends to incorporate into your wardrobe based on your personal style and body shape. There’s no point in being a slave to fashion trends. Go with what you love and while it’s great to have a few trendy pieces, the best fashions stand the test of time. Select your pieces carefully choosing ones that fit into trends but that you’ll still love in years to come.

The following are the key spring and summer 2009 jewelry and accessory fashion trends:

I. It’s All About The Ear-ring

II. Bangle Mania

III. Piled On The Neck-lace

IV. Eco Jewelry

V. Weaved IT Bag

VI. It’s A Wrap

VII. It’s A Romance

VIII. Metal It Up – Metalics

IX. All About The Color

I. It’s all about the ear – Earring that is

This season it’s move over statement necklace, it’s all about the ear, earring that is! While the statement necklace is still in (see below) there was a lot more focus on the ear for spring/summer runway fashion. The earring is this season’s must buy artisan jewelry piece.

The earring takes center stage and is set off perfectly with the beauty trend of hair swept up off the face. The earring cascading down the neck with hair swept up creates that stunning long swan like neck a perfect look for the warmer weather.

Long chandelier earrings and the bigger the better are hot this season, but that isn’t for everyone. Wear what works for your proportions. There’s a wide range of artisan earring choices available this season in appropriate sizes and weights for every woman. The chandelier look can be achieved with long chunky earrings or light long dangling filigree style. The trend earring effect can be achieved with either the delicate or chunky styles but with proportions appropriate for each woman’s size.

II. Bangle Mania

There seems to be no end to bangle mania as it continues to play a strong role in fashion and is a great investment. For around $20-25 you can achieve this trend effect. This spring and summer bangles on the runway were an eclectic mix of colors and styles piled high up the arm for a dramatic look.

Stack them up the arm in a colorful mix to achieve the runway look or if this look is just a little too over the top choose one or two bangles for a more subtle but on trend look. Whether you choose bright colors, resin, tribal, stone accented, brass, copper or silver, there’s no end to the choice this season and all variations fit into the trend.

III. Layered Necklaces

Many of the designers featured layers of beaded necklaces during the spring/summer fashion weeks. To achieve the runway version of the look, pile them on high. If you are seeking the layered effect without the over the top weight of multiple necklaces, seek out a more subtle artisan necklace which has multi strands to it. In this way you’ll achieve the layered look without the heaviness of the piled effect.

IV. Eco Jewelry

Eco jewelry is here to stay, look for pieces which are recycled, or produced in an eco friendly way.

V. Weaved It Bag

Spring/Summer 09′s hot handbag is the weaved bag. This is the IT bag for the season. While most of the ones on the runway are leather and with mighty big price tags you can also seek out eco recycled plastic weaved bags. There are weaved bags available which have been hand woven by a Fair Trade organisation in India and have the IT weaved effect without the leather. As an added bonus they are available in a bright range of colors for a burst of color. These bags are perfect for everyday wear or to take to the beach.

VI. It’s A Wrap

In addition to the earring, the scarf is another must have seasonal fashion accessory. They’re so hot they’ve been featured in all the major fashion magazines and blogs with lots of how to wear tutorials.

A scarf can add a perfect punch of color to any outfit and an elegant way to stay warm on a cool spring or summer eve. While hot for this season, scarves are a great investment as a wardrobe essential.

VII. It’s A Romance

Spring and summer is the perfect time for a little romance. This spring/summer there is no shortage of romantic fashion and accessories – pretty florals, transparent fabrics, ruffles, chandelier earrings, pastel and blush colors and more. Adding romantic touches to your outfit is easy with artisan jewelry. What could be more romantic than a pair of chandelier earrings or a piece of handmade silver jewelry with intricate filigree detailing?

VIII. Metal It Up Metalics

Silver, Gold, Brass and Pewter oh my! Metallic influences abound in clothing and in accessories. Pick your favourite metal jewelry and accent that outfit with a little shine.

IX. It’s All About Color

This spring and summer season there is a beautiful mix of bright, pastel colors and even black and white in fashion and artisan jewelry trends. Bright colors for this season include green, purple, red, pink and blue. Pastel and nude colors are blush pink and skin tone colors.

By: Patricia Pinkney

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There are plenty of different women’s wear trends for 2010 which should include something to suit everyone. The trends can be separated into two main categories minimalist and busier or eclectic styles which include lots of colours and patterns. The nineties is a key influence on trends for SS10 with both grunge and nineties minimalism making a comeback.

Here are some of the key trends that were seen on the catwalks for SS10 and it won’t be long before they start to filter down to the high street and online retailers.

Military – Stella McCartney featured a very stylish washed out version of the camouflage print whilst khaki colours were popping up every where from Alexander Wang to Chloe, Balmain and Louis

Vuitton. Classic, crisp tailored pieces and more elaborate costume style pieces will all be big news for Spring and summer.

Stripes – this trend has been bubbling away for a season or two now but for the spring and summer is likely to explode with a bang. The flattering version of horizontal stripes has been seen on dresses everywhere from Paul Smith to Sonia Rykiel.

Florals – This seasons floral fall into three camps, the feminine and romantic ones which are worn with washed out pastels and denim, the darker smaller ones which are worn grunge style with black opaques and boots and the really bright, bold and graphic ones which are layered with bright colours and clashing patterns for maximum wow factor.

Pattern Mixing – this is such a huge trend for 2010 it featured on so many different catwalks in one way or another. There really a re no rules when it comes to this trend, anything goes from mixing clashing prints subtle washed out pastels prints, checks, stripes, spots and florals.

Layering – another key comeback look from the nineties, laterying will be big again for 2010. Check out Alexander Wang for inspiration on how to achieve the most laid back style by layering. You can also use layering to play with proportions as seen at Marios Schwab.

Safari – this is a really classic trend which makes a comeback year after year. Look for neutral tones and simple classic safari style jackets and shorts.

Denim – look for classic chambray shirts, denim skirts to wear with white shirts as seen at Stella McCartney, denim with ditsy floral pieces or more directional pieces as seen at D & G.

Chiffon and Nude Colours – Dreamy dresses in nude, neutrals, creams and beiges made of sheer fabrics such as chiffons were all over the catwalks for SS10. Some of the most beautiful included Chanel, Fendi, Givenchy and Gianfranco Ferre.

Some of the key pieces of clothing to update your wardrobe for the Spring and Summer are the new and updated version of the classic trench as seen at Burberry, ankle socks worn with strappy shoes if you dare, shorts in just about any style you choose, relaxed grey marl pieces and wedge shoes. Maxi dresses, jumpsuits and shift dresses will also be making a comeback in SS10.

By: Ceri Heathcote

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